Job Description

Job Summary:

The Senior Animal Wellness Keeper is responsible for overseeing the overall health, nutrition, and medical care of both terrestrial and aquatic animals within the facility. This role ensures that all species receive proper diets, supplements, parameter readings, and medical attention in line with facility SOPs and veterinary direction. The Senior Animal Wellness Keeper will manage a team responsible for the day-to-day care of animals, focusing on wellness programs, preventative health measures, and assisting in veterinary procedures. Collaboration with veterinarians, curators, the national husbandry team, and Co-Senior Keepers is essential to maintain high standards of animal care and welfare. 

Key Responsibilities:

Monitor and Maintain Environmental Parameters:

• Perform daily readings of water quality (pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, etc) for aquatic habitats.
• Perform weekly parameter readings to ensure proper temperature, humidity, substrate quality, and air quality for terrestrial enclosures (more often as required for specific species, individuals, or situations).
• Implement and audit teamwork for adherence to company protocols to maintain ideal conditions for diverse species based on their specific environmental needs.
• Troubleshoot environmental imbalances and work with relevant Lead Keepers and Managers to correct any deviations.

Nutrition Management:

• Manage pre-customized feeding programs for all terrestrial and aquatic species, ensuring diets are species-appropriate and nutritionally balanced.
• Collaborate with curators, the national husbandry team, and veterinarians to adjust diets based on health, age, reproduction, and specific medical needs.
• Oversee the preparation and distribution of food, monitoring intake, weight, and overall health of animals.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping of diets, feeding schedules, and dietary changes.
• Monitor and replenish food supplies, working with vendors to ensure the availability of high-quality food items.

Medical Care & Preventative Health:

• Work closely with the veterinary team, curators, national husbandry team, and registrar to develop and implement preventative health care protocols, including vaccinations, deworming, and routine physical exams.
• Assist veterinarians during medical exams, treatments, and procedures, ensuring proper handling and care of animals.
• Oversee the administration of medications and supplements as prescribed by veterinarians and as part of diet plans per facility SOPs.
• Monitor animal health daily, observing signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior, and promptly reporting to the curators and national husbandry team.
• Coordinate and manage quarantine procedures for new or ill animals.

Animal Care Team Leadership:

• Assist curators in leading and supervising a team of animal keepers responsible for the daily care of animals, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring health.
• Provide training on proper animal care, feeding protocols, and medical care procedures.
• Ensure the team follows all safety and animal welfare protocols, maintaining compliance with facility SOPs and regulatory requirements.

Animal Health Monitoring & Reporting:

• Maintain comprehensive records on animal health, medical treatments, dietary adjustments, and behavioral observations.
• Prepare and present wellness reports for management, highlighting any health concerns, medical interventions, or nutrition changes.
• Participate in weekly wellness meetings with the veterinary, nutrition, and curatorial teams to discuss animal health updates and create action plans for any issues.

Collaboration & Enrichment:

• Work with curators and the national husbandry team to design and implement enrichment activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
• Collaborate with curators and the national husbandry team to ensure that enrichment items align with dietary, health, and regulatory needs.

Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure all animal care practices meet or exceed regulatory requirements, including USDA, Fish and Wildlife, and local animal welfare standards.
• Oversee facility SOP adherence.
• Maintain safe working conditions for both staff and animals, following strict hygiene and safety protocols during animal handling and medical treatments.

Working Conditions:

• Physical demands include standing, walking, lifting, and handling animals and equipment.
• Work in both indoor and outdoor environments, including aquatic habitats.
• May require both weekend days, holidays, or after-hours work to respond to animal health emergencies or special events.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Wellness, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in animal care, with at least 2 years focused on habitat management for both terrestrial and aquatic species.
• Proven expertise in water quality management, including knowledge of filtration systems, chemical analysis, and aquatic life support systems.
• Strong understanding of the environmental needs of diverse animal species, including climate, habitat, and behavior.
• Leadership experience, including team management, training, and scheduling.
• Familiarity with regulations and standards from organizations like the AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

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